The Gospel of Matthew tells us this about the ministry of Jesus: Matthew 9:35-37. Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them … Continue reading Jesus’ Ministry
Proverbs 4:25-27 says (Message Bible translation): Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. Here is some good and helpful advice for life: 1. Look straight ahead. We need to have a … Continue reading The Power of Focus
John tells us that when Philip and Nathanel met Jesus he gave them an invitation - "Come and see" (John 1:39). Jesus does not offer them an argument but an opportunity to enter into a daily relationship with him. Here are some more profound comments from Jesus: Matthew 11:27. The Father has given me all … Continue reading An Invitation
Unfortunately, many people today see science and faith as enemies rather than friends. Thankfully, there are an increasing number of scientists and intellectuals who are speaking out about their faith. John Lennox is one of them. John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy … Continue reading Has Science Buried God? with John Lennox
In order for us to live the joy-filled life God desires for us, we need to be on guard for joy robbers. This takes some work. It doesn't happen by just saying, “Don't worry, be happy”. We need a strategy. 1. Overcome Irritations with PATIENCE. We can't avoid irritations coming our way. We have to … Continue reading Living a Joy-Filled Life
Yesterday, we talked about Christmas joy - the message of "good news of great joy for all the people." Yes, joy is God's will for your life ... all because of Jesus. But, we have an enemy! Jesus made this very clear ... John 10:10. “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I have come … Continue reading Joy Robbers
Christmas is probably a distant memory for most of us now but it is good to be reminded of the core message that it brought - one of "good news of great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10) because of the arrival of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The One who would bring salvation and … Continue reading Christmas Joy
When was the last time you laughed? I mean, really laughed? One of those big belly laughs that goes on and on and brings tears to your eyes. If you are lucky it was in the last couple of days but if you are like most people you have been so busy trying to get … Continue reading Laughter is Good Medicine!
All of us have tasks we want to get done or projects we are working on. Keeping a record of them all in one place is really important. The most popular method is a task or project list, which can be looked at regularly then items are ticked off when completed. But what if you … Continue reading An Alternative to Task Lists – Kanban Project Management
God is a God of new things. He has made us new creations, given us new hearts, a new spirit, a new covenant. We live in a new day; we have a new name; we have a new commandment; we’ve been given new garments; His mercies are new every morning; we drink of the new … Continue reading All Things NEW!
In a few days time, we'll be into a New Year - 2016. The year 2015 will be history - water under the bridge. At transition times like this between years, it's beneficial to pause, take some time aside and think about your life. Someone once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living" and … Continue reading Getting Ready for the New Year
Habits are what we do habitually, automatically or without thinking. They are very powerful! An old poem puts it like this: Sow a thought, reap an act Sow an act, reap a habit Sow a habit, reap a character Sow a character, reap a destiny. A lot of new research has emerged of late about … Continue reading Developing New Habits
Every year, we encourage our church to read through the Bible. There are a variety of reading programs available online. This year we will read through the New Testament, as well as the books of Psalms and Proverbs. There is a great benefit in using a devotional format for Bible reading aimed at hearing from … Continue reading Devotional Bible Reading
As we prepare to move into a new year, I am sure we all face various circumstances that are beyond our control. Sometimes what we need is actually not more power but more clarity. Three times in the Gospels, Jesus was approached by someone obviously needing healing and he said to them, "What do you … Continue reading The Power of Clarity
Can you believe it's almost Christmas! Usually around this time of the year, you'll hear some questions or comments from some well-meaning Christians such as: "Jesus was not born in December." "The Bible never tells us to celebrate the birth of Jesus." "The Christmas tree is a pagan tradition." True, the early Christians did not … Continue reading What to do with Christmas?
